What to look for in a bandsaw

Hengelo_77

Hengelo_77

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Mar 2, 2006
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I used up a cheap bandsaw and now want to get something that will last for years.
On this forum people seem to like Milwaukee and I have found one for sale here in Europe.
It has a 1,5Hp motor, has a 5" clearance and takes 45" blades. (with a plug, not cordless)
Would that be a good one?

Am I alowed to ask if ~$500,- is a fair price for the mentioned band saw?
EDIT: I found the same machine for ~$350,-

Is it worth it spending more on a larger machine?

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I don't know if you have such things over there, but I got a DeWalt brand deep cut saw for 100$ at a pawn shop.
It might be worth shopping around at used tool shops, auction sites and pawn shops.
 
The older type of metal body Milwaukee portaband saws seemed better built than the plastic body ones. Look around for a used one at a pawn shop or flea market.
I see them running between $75 and $200 depending on condition.
 
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You should be able to get a deep-cut Milwaukee, corded w/variable speed for around $300 new. Pricing is likely higher in Europe. Milwaukee makes a quality, heavy-duty saw that should give you many years of dependable service & easy support/maintenance solutions should the need arise.

Model 6232-20 is what I have, and what I see on nearly every pipefitter job site I work at. The variable speed is handy at times, and the throat depth is pretty standard for deep-cut portables. Combined with a SWAG table it’s a really good solution for the work we do as makers.
 
I got the machine today and it is a different league then the cheap one I had before.
This one is build to use and build to last!
It has a handle on top held by a large screw that can be screwed off and used to mound it on a fixed construction. I even managed to re-use the construction of my old machine. I made it so that it runs when you stand on a foot pedal.
I do want to build a table around the blade but I'll use it for a while first to see how I want it exactly.
I'm very happy with this machine!
Thanks for the advise

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Very cool. I love my portable setup and use it almost exclusively now for bandsaw task. You can also easily remove the OEM guard and replace with a larger flat table style if desirable. Easy to find these online aftermarket.
 
Those portable banjos are sweet when your fitting miles of pipe. I've got a delta in the basement for bigger stationary work.
 
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